Worth Seeing in Salzburg

A tour of Salzburg - the Festival City

Hohensalzburg Fortress -Originally constructed in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard. The building work was completed in the 17th century. The Fortress is Salzburg`s landmark and also the largest preserved citadel in Central Europe.

Cathedral - Following the destruction of the medieval cathedral by fire in 1598, the reconstruction was begun in the 1614 to plans by the architect Santino Solari, who combined the early baroue style with architectural themes from Rome. The consecration took place in 1628.

St.Peter`s Cemetery - The beginnings of this cemetery can be traced back to the late Roman Juvavum. Enclosed by arcades, housing numerous epitaphs and artistic wrought iron gates, the cemetery has a mystic character.

The Residenz - The magnificent archiepiscopal residence has served as the seat of Salzburg`s archbishops since 1120. The building was reconstructed from 1600 to 1619. The state rooms furnished by Lukas von Hildebrandt from 1709-1729 as well as the frescoes and ceiling paintings by J.M Rottmayr and Martino Altomonte are of particular interested.

Mozart Square - Situated in the centre of the city, the square owes its special character to the impressive Mozart memorial, created by Ludwig von Schwanthaler and erected here in 1842. And visitors can enjoy the further pleasure of listening to the world famous Salzburg carillon, which sounds daily from the archbishop`s palace.

Getreidegasse - This delightful street in the heart of Austria`s most beautiful shopping centre has a very quaint charm. A number of fascinating shop signs, fine doorway, well-kept facades and idyllic courtyards supply the perfect backdrop for the pulsating business life of this street.

Mozart`s Birthplace - This is the most renowned of birthplaces; Mozart first saw the light of day here in 1756. The house is situated in famous Getreidegasse. The Mozart`s dwelling, now houses the Mozart Museum, a lovingly put together collection which attracts numerous music lovers each year.

Collegiate Church - Fischer von Erlach`s masterpiece is one of Europe`s most important sacred buildings and represents a synthesis of the major architectural systems. Building commenced in 1696 and the church was consecrated in 1707.

Salzburg`s Marionette Theatre - The Salzburg Marionettes perform the repertoire of a great opera house to recordings of the world`s leading orchestras and vocalists. The marionettes specialize in Mozart operas which they perform in a theatre hall that is well worth seeing. The many tours that have taken them around the globe for over 80 years have made the Salzburger Marionettes world-famous.

The Franciscan Church - This is certainly one of Salzburg`s oldest churches dating back as far as the 8th century. With the passing of the centuries various alternations have been undertaken, for example the masterly refreshioning of the highaltar by Michael Pacher and its present from Johann Fischer von Erlach. In 1983 the church was partly restored.

The Mirabell Gardens - Mirabell Palace, with what is perhaps the finest Registery Office of the world, is certainly a place of great beauty and the palace gardens are equally delightful. The gardens were designed by Fischer von Erlach in 1960 to the orders of Archbishop Johann Ernst Thun; groups of sculptures, the weirdly humourous Dwares`Garden exquistily planned folwer beds, the maze and the "hedge Theatre" are a joy for every visitor.

Linzer Gasse - During the past few years this little thoroughfare has developed into a fascinating shopping street. St.Sebastian Church is worth a visit, as is the fine, but steep, pathway lined with the Station of the Cross up Kapuzinerberg (fine views).

St. Sebastian - St.Sebastian Cemetery is located beside St.Sebastian Church. Andreas Berteleto designed the cemetery around 1600 in the style of an Italian "campo sano". Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich, Mozart wife, Consatanze, his father Leopold, and Paracelsus the "father" of modern medicine, are all buried here.

Mozart`s Residenz - The earliest documentary evidence of Mozart`s Residence on Market Square 8 dates from 1617. Mozart lived in the house from 1773-1780. A museum was installed on the first floor of ther former living quaters, documenting the history of the building and the life of the Mozart Family.

Hellbrunn - Prince-Archbishop Markus Sitticus`dream of a country palace, "Hellbrunn" set in a beautiful park was realized to plans by the court architect Santino Solari at the beginning of the 17th century. The spacious parklands, the famous trick fountains, the many cultural events and the zoo ensure that the visit to Hellbrunn will be a truly unforgettable experience.